Jo Edwards gives oral evidence to the Justice Select Committee on supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrangements

Head of Family, Jo Edwards, gave evidence to the Justice Select Committee on Monday 19 June about the Ministry of Justice’s recently concluded consultation on supporting earlier resolution of private family law arrangements.

Following the submission of Resolution’s written response to the Ministry of Justice’s consultation, to which Jo contributed as Chair of Resolution’s Family Law Reform Group, Jo was invited to speak in more detail to MPs about the current problems facing the family justice system and how meaningful change may be effected. Jo shared her thoughts on how all forms of Dispute Resolution (DR) should be considered to ensure people have access to the option which best suits them and that children are protected from the fallout of acrimonious separation. She also highlighted the importance of any form of DR remaining voluntary, in order to maintain the integrity of the process, and emphasised that reform must include resources for initial legal advice and signposting. She spoke of the importance of broader public education about alternatives to court/some of the pitfalls of court.

This is the fourth time Jo has given evidence to a parliamentary committee about the family justice system. Jo sits on Resolution's National Committee and is an active campaigner for family law reform. She is also a qualified mediator and collaborative practitioner.

Resolution is a community of family justice professionals who work with families and individuals to resolve issues in a constructive way. They campaign for better laws and better support for families and children undergoing family change.